Leif Ekblad, a 20-year-old goalie from North Dakota, has quickly become a standout member of the Winkler Flyers since joining the team on December 17, just before Christmas break. Though a late addition, Ekblad’s presence in net has been welcome in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.
Standing tall in more ways than one, Ekblad notes the advantages of his height as a goalie. “Being taller, I don’t have to be as aggressive in the net compared to shorter goalies who have to come out farther,” he explains. While acknowledging the flexibility often attributed to smaller goalies, Ekblad adds, “I’ve got my height, which makes up for it.”
Ekblad’s hockey journey this season began with the Colorado Grit, followed by a brief stint with the Kenai River Brown Bears in Alaska. Struggling to find playing time, he requested a trade, which eventually brought him to Winkler. “I wasn’t playing much, so I asked for a trade, and Winkler ended up picking me up. Here I am,” Ekblad shares.
Photo of Leif Ekblad, courtesty of the Winkler Flyers website.
A ritual of gratitude
What sets Ekblad apart isn’t just his skills as a goalie but a unique post-game ritual that has captured the hearts of fans and teammates alike. After every home game, Ekblad skates to centre ice to pray—a practice he began during his time with the Kenai River Brown Bears.
“It usually starts out with me taking a moment to myself, where I kind of step back from the game and look at myself in a third person,” Ekblad explains. “I just thank Him for everything—hockey, life, everything—and take a moment to step back.”
Initially, this act of prayer was a solo experience, but it has since grown into a team-wide tradition. “At first, it was just me,” Ekblad recalls. “Then "Craiker" ended up joining, which kind of caught me by surprise. As the games went on, more guys started to join in.”
The video of the Flyers gathering for prayer at center ice has moved many fans, some to tears. Ekblad is humbled by the reaction and hopes to see even more teammates participate by the end of the season. (Video provided by Ekblad's billet family, Terry and Nicole Enns).
Balancing faith and hockey
Ekblad’s faith has been a constant in his life, even as he navigates the demanding world of junior hockey. “I grew up in the faith. I got baptized when I was just a kid,” he says. Though his busy schedule doesn’t always allow him to attend church regularly, Ekblad finds ways to incorporate his beliefs into his routine.
Reflecting on his journey, he notes how playing junior hockey has strengthened his faith. “I got surrounded with my group in Kenai, who were trying to partner up hockey and faith,” Ekblad says. “I decided I’m just going to keep doing that because I love it.”
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More than a game
For Ekblad, hockey is more than just a sport. It’s a platform to demonstrate gratitude, leadership, and faith. “Win or lose, I pray,” he shares, emphasizing the importance of maintaining perspective in a competitive environment.
While Ekblad dreams of one day playing in the NHL, he remains grounded, focusing on being a positive influence both on and off the ice. As his prayer circle grows, Ekblad is leaving a lasting impact, proving that sometimes, the most meaningful moments in sports happen far beyond the scoreboard.